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A review by novoaust
Where Heroes Were Born by Tom Dumbrell
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
***may contain spoilers***
Set 10 years after the conclusion of No Place For Peace, Where Heroes Were Born is a great book and a fantastic conclusion to the trilogy.
We follow Fran and a new character named Locke, but old favorites are still very present in this one. Where the first two books had a relentless pace, this one slows down, and expands the world. I loved seeing the world grow, and we are introduced to different people and cultures. This book felt much more refined than the first two, which says a lot, considering how much I enjoyed them.
Despite the newer cast of characters, I had no problem developing emotional attachment to them. Between their storylines, their struggles, and their romances, Dumbrell manages to develop them very well in this thrilling conclusion. You never feel safe, and the author doesn't hesistate to take away some of your favorites. This is a ballsy choice, and one I like, as I am tired of authors strictly killing off side characters making their deaths feel inconsequential.
The story is as exciting as the first two books, and despite this book having a standalone feel, I love how it tied back to the previous two books. Both characters have this internalized battle in which they are fighting for their place in the world. Francine feels she is living in the shadow of all these other impressive people, while Locke has to deal with being a constant disappointment to his family. Following these two characters and seeing how their storylines interconnect was a lot of fun.
The writing has improved quite a lot from the first book, showing the author's growth. It still reads easy, but is a lot more refined and outright beautiful at times. Seeing this makes me very excited for what Dumbrell has coming next.
Really my only complaint is that I wasn't as engaged in the start of the story, simply due to this being set 10 years later. Finding the queen a husband was something I really didn't care much about, but eventually, I became completely engrossed in the story.
All in all, this is a fantastic book to a fantastic series!
Set 10 years after the conclusion of No Place For Peace, Where Heroes Were Born is a great book and a fantastic conclusion to the trilogy.
We follow Fran and a new character named Locke, but old favorites are still very present in this one. Where the first two books had a relentless pace, this one slows down, and expands the world. I loved seeing the world grow, and we are introduced to different people and cultures. This book felt much more refined than the first two, which says a lot, considering how much I enjoyed them.
Despite the newer cast of characters, I had no problem developing emotional attachment to them. Between their storylines, their struggles, and their romances, Dumbrell manages to develop them very well in this thrilling conclusion. You never feel safe, and the author doesn't hesistate to take away some of your favorites. This is a ballsy choice, and one I like, as I am tired of authors strictly killing off side characters making their deaths feel inconsequential.
The story is as exciting as the first two books, and despite this book having a standalone feel, I love how it tied back to the previous two books. Both characters have this internalized battle in which they are fighting for their place in the world. Francine feels she is living in the shadow of all these other impressive people, while Locke has to deal with being a constant disappointment to his family. Following these two characters and seeing how their storylines interconnect was a lot of fun.
The writing has improved quite a lot from the first book, showing the author's growth. It still reads easy, but is a lot more refined and outright beautiful at times. Seeing this makes me very excited for what Dumbrell has coming next.
Really my only complaint is that I wasn't as engaged in the start of the story, simply due to this being set 10 years later. Finding the queen a husband was something I really didn't care much about, but eventually, I became completely engrossed in the story.
All in all, this is a fantastic book to a fantastic series!